phanendo, Author at Phan Endodontic Partners

Shingles presenting as tooth pain

Oral shingles, also known as herpes zoster orticus, is a rare complication of shingles that affects the ear and face. It can cause severe tooth pain, as well as other symptoms such as facial weakness, hearing loss, and tinnitus. If you suspect you have oral shingles, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, as prompt treatment can help to prevent complications.

A severe form of oral shingles. Notice the vesicular lesions.

The typical symptoms of oral shingles can mimic tooth pain. You may have facial tenderness, with a tingling or burning sensation in your mouth. It can also refer pain to in the ear, head, neck, and face. Sometimes a condition called postherpetic neuralgia can remain, which can be a burning sensation that can be persistent. A case report is presented here.

Tooth pain can have many different causes, and it is important to determine the underlying cause in order to treat it properly. In some cases, tooth pain may be caused by a problem with the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels) such as an infection or inflammation. In these cases, an endodontist (a specialist in treating diseases of the dental pulp) may be necessary to diagnose and treat the problem. If you are experiencing tooth pain, it is best to see a dentist or endodontist for an evaluation.

Claims about Root Canal Safety

Root Canal Overview

Root canals are a safe and effective treatment option for teeth that have become infected or inflamed in the pulp chamber, the area that contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth and helps alleviate pain. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and filling and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection.

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with studies showing that it can save the natural tooth in about 90-95% of cases. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, which means that the patient will be numb in the area where the procedure is being done and will not feel any pain.

After the procedure, the patient may experience some mild discomfort or pain, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling, sensitivity, and discoloration of the tooth are possible but uncommon. The tooth may be sore from biting on for a few days, and some patients may also experience tenderness in the gums around the tooth.

Root canal treatment is considered safe, as it is a routine procedure that is performed by trained and experienced dental professionals. The procedure does carry some risk, as with any medical procedure, including bleeding, infection, and injury to the surrounding teeth or gums.

It is worth noting, that like many medical procedures, there are some false claims circulating about root canal safety. For example, some people believe that root canals can cause cancer or that the procedure is not safe. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence and are not considered true by dental professionals or scientific communities.

Root canal treatment has been extensively studied and is considered a safe and effective option for saving a tooth that is infected or inflamed in the pulp chamber. It is recommended by dental professional as an appropriate treatment option in those cases, the procedure is relatively painless, and the majority of patients return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.

It’s important to seek out information from reputable sources and to consult with a qualified dental professional before making any decisions about your dental health.

Root Canal: Material Safety

Root Canal Procedure and Treatment

During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned and shaped. The canals are then filled with a material called gutta-percha, which is a rubber-like substance that is used to fill the canals and prevent bacteria from re-entering. The gutta-percha is then sealed in place using a sealer, which helps to create a barrier between the gutta-percha and the tooth structure, and to ensure that the canals are completely sealed.

There are two main types of modern sealers:

AH Plus Sealer: AH Plus is an epoxy resin-based sealer that contains the antimicrobial agents that help to reduce the bacterial load in the root canals. This can help to improve the overall success rate of the root canal procedure. It has been used for many years and is considered a well-established sealer, it has a good biocompatibility and provide a good seal of the canals.
Bioceramic sealers: Bioceramic sealers are made from a mixture of ceramics and a bonding agent, such as resin. These sealers provide a good seal of the canals and also have a bioactive property which means that they can help to remineralize the tooth and promote healing. They are considered to have good biocompatibility and low solubility in oral fluids.

Obturation material refers to the substance used to fill the canals after they have been cleaned and shaped. The most common obturation material is gutta-percha. It is a thermoplastic substance that can be shaped to conform to the irregular shape of the canals. It can be used with a variety of sealers to provide an effective seal of the canals.

Gutta-percha can be used with different techniques of filling like the traditional lateral condensation, warm gutta-percha, single cone, and other newer techniques like the thermafil and the vertical compaction. The choice of technique and materials used should be based on the clinician’s preference and the condition of the tooth.

The choice of sealer or obturation materials should be based on the condition of the tooth and the clinician’s preference. With the new developments and advancements in technology, there are a variety of sealers and obturation materials available in the market, each with its own benefits and potential drawbacks. It’s important to use the materials that have been tested, proven and accepted by the scientific community for their effectiveness, biocompatibility and safety. It’s important to note that new techniques and materials are continuously being developed and studied in order to improve the success of the root canal treatment and to achieve a better prognosis for the tooth.

The Process of Root Canal Treatment

Front Page, Root Canal Procedure and Treatment

A root canal is a procedure used to treat a tooth that has become infected or inflamed in the pulp chamber, the area that contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth. The infection can be caused by various factors, including tooth decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. If the infection is not treated, it can cause an abscess, severe pain, and, eventually, tooth loss.

Removing infected or diseased pulp

The root canal procedure consists of removing the infected and dying pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the inside, and filling and sealing the root canals to prevent further infection. The procedure is typically done in one or two visits and can usually be completed in one hour.

During the procedure, the dentist or endodontist will open the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. They will then use small instruments, such as files, to remove the infected pulp. Next, the root canals will be cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining bacteria. After the canals are cleaned and shaped, a sealer paste is used with a small rubber-like material called gutta-percha to fill the canals. This material will be used to help to prevent bacteria from re-entering the canals.

The foundation of a tooth: build up and possible crown.

Once the root canals are filled and sealed, the tooth becomes weak and more susceptible to fracture. The dentist will recommend a buildup and a crown to protect the tooth and restore its function. A tooth buildup can be made of various materials such as resin-based composite or glass ionomer. It’s used to build up the remaining tooth structure after the root canal to provide a good foundation for the crown.

A crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the remaining tooth structure to protect it and restore its shape and function. Crowns can be made of different materials such as metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), all-porcelain, zirconia, or ceramic.

The combination of root canal treatment with a build-up and crown will help to save the tooth and prevent further complications; also, it will help to restore the full function of the tooth and to improve its esthetics.

Cost of root canal therapy

Root canals can be a costly procedure, but they are ultimately worth it because they save a natural tooth from extraction. Extraction can lead to more extensive and costly procedures such as dental implants or bridges. A root canal procedure can also alleviate pain and prevent further infection, which can save patients from additional health complications. Additionally, an endodontist who specializes in root canal treatment can use advanced equipment and techniques to increase the success rate of the procedure, leading to better long-term outcomes. In summary, while a root canal may have a high initial cost, it can save a significant amount of money and improve overall oral health in the long run. Please see this article for more information.

Diagnosis

Dr. Phan will perform a specialist consultation, evaluate your teeth, and present a treatment plan to help save your tooth. Please see more here.

Urgent Care for Knocked-Out Teeth

Dental Symptoms

A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is a dental emergency that occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket as a result of an accident or external force. This type of injury can happen to anyone at any age and is relatively common, particularly in children and adolescents participating in contact sports.

It is important to act quickly and correctly when a tooth is knocked out to increase the chances of saving the tooth. The first step is to locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part of the tooth) and avoid touching the root (the white part under the crown). If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water for no more than 10 seconds, and then gently place it back into the socket if possible. Hold the tooth in place by biting down gently or by using a clean piece of gauze.

If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, it can be stored in a container of milk or a product called Save-A-Tooth, which is a special container that is designed to preserve the tooth until you can get to a dentist or endodontist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out, as this can damage the cells that are necessary for reattachment.

You should seek immediate dental attention, ideally within the first hour after the injury, as the chances of saving the tooth decrease as time goes on. An endodontist is a dental specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat problems related to the pulp and the nerves of teeth, including avulsed teeth. They are equipped with the necessary expertise and technology to diagnose and treat TDIs, which can help to save the injured tooth and prevent further complications.

Once you are in the dental office, the dentist or endodontist will assess the tooth and the surrounding tissue to determine the best course of treatment. They may need to do a root canal, splint the tooth to the adjacent tooth, or in some cases, they might extract the tooth if it is not possible to save it.

It’s important to keep in mind that the most important factor in saving an avulsed tooth is the time between the injury and the start of treatment, so it’s crucial to seek immediate dental attention if a tooth is knocked out.

Care for Traumatic Dental Injuries:

Dental Symptoms

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are any damage to the teeth, jaws, or supporting structures due to an accident or external force. This can include injuries such as chipped or cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, teeth that have been displaced or pushed out of position, and damage to the soft tissue of the mouth, such as lacerations or contusions.

TDIs are relatively common, and according to the World Health Organization, about one-third of all dental emergencies are due to TDIs. They are most commonly seen in children and adolescents, but can happen to anyone at any age, and can occur as a result of a wide range of activities, such as sports, falls, car accidents, or physical altercations.

An endodontist is a dental specialist who is trained to diagnose and treat problems related to the pulp and the nerves of teeth. They are equipped with the necessary expertise and technology to diagnose and treat TDIs, which can help to save the injured tooth and prevent further complications.

The treatment for a TDI will depend on the type and severity of the injury. If the tooth is chipped or cracked, the endodontist may recommend a filling or a crown to restore the tooth. If the tooth is knocked out, the endodontist may be able to replant it if it is done within the first hour after the injury. Otherwise, the tooth can not be saved, the endodontist may recommend an implant or bridge to replace the damaged tooth.

phanendo

Removing infected or diseased pulp

The foundation of a tooth: build up and possible crown.

Cost of root canal therapy

Diagnosis

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